Maintenance teams on the strategic M6 toll route through the West Midlands have put their first Euro 6 truck to work: a 7.5-tonne Mercedes-Benz Atego. Road operator Midland Expressway Ltd (MEL) said its purchase was based on the reliability of its previous Mercedes vehicles, and the availability of a cab capable of carrying a team of three operatives.
“The Atego is the only 7.5-tonner that allows you to carry a third, full-sized man on a proper, individual seat, rather than a bench or ‘baby’ seat,” said MEL motorway maintenance manager, Steve Warren. “Although this vehicle is usually crewed by a two-man team, we’ll sometimes send three out, so this is a very useful feature.”
Supplied by dealer Midlands Truck & Van, the Atego 816 has an S ClassicSpace cab and is powered by a 156 bhp OM 934 four-cylinder engine with standard-fit PowerShift 3 automated gearbox.
“The auto ’box has been well received by our drivers, who do a lot of stop-start work on the hard shoulder,” Warren added.
The vehicle’s body was built by PD Stevens & Sons of Market Drayton, Shropshire.
